Get Legal Insight on Bicycle Accidents in California by our Expert Bicycle Accident Attorneys

Did you sustain serious injuries in a bicycle accident in California? Do you feel overwhelmed with nerves or anxiousness when thinking about having to go through a personal injury lawsuit? If so, you’re not alone. Many victims of a car accident have had these thoughts and emotions as the process of filing a personal injury claim can feel like a lot to take in.

Legal representation is important to acquire after a bicycle accident. A bicycle accident attorney will handle all of the difficult tasks while you focus on recovering from any physical or mental injuries you endured from the traumatic event. If you are searching for legal assistance, our qualified California bicycle accident attorneys at West Coast Trial Lawyers are readily available to help get you the compensation and justice you deserve.

To schedule a free consultation, please contact our 24/7 legal team by calling 213-927-3700 or filling out our quick contact form.

California Bicycle Accident Statistics in 2022

According to data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a total of 455 bicyclists were killed in traffic accidents from 2016 to 2018. The counties with the highest rate of bicyclist deaths included Los Angeles (106), Sacramento (47) , Orange (32) , and San Bernardino (27). 

The most common age group of bicyclists who were killed in these traffic accidents were 45 to 55 year olds. Males were found to be involved in fatal bicycle accidents far more times than females. According to the updated 2022 California bicycle accident statistics, 62% of the riders killed in a fatal bicycle accident were not wearing a helmet.

How to Prove Liability

Those who choose to pursue legal actions against the party at-fault for negligence in a California bicycle accident will be expected to obtain evidence that supports their personal injury claim. The three elements of negligence you will be asked to prove include the following:

• The defendant owed you a duty of care;
• The defendant breached his or her duty of care; and
• The defendant’s breach was the main cause of your injuries and/or damages

You may also show the amount of damages you sustained due to the unlawful actions committed by the other party.

Types of Evidence to Include in a California Bicycle Accident Claim

In order to construct a strong claim, you will need to acquire essential pieces of evidence. This includes:

• Photographs and/or video footages of your injuries and damages
• An official copy of the police report
• Medical records relating to the bicycle accident
• Therapy visitations to show proof of emotional distress
• Witness statements
• Financial documents indicating what types of economic damages you sustained after the bicycle accident

It is important to hire an expert California bicycle accident attorney as you are constructing your personal injury claim. They will guide you through the process of building up your case to ensure you are granted a fair settlement offer that will help cover your damages.

Can I Sue the Manufacturer for a Faulty Bicycle Accident?

Bicycle accidents have mostly been caused by negligent drivers, however, there have been reports of defective bicycles causing the bicyclist to suffer from serious injuries. According to California’s products liability law, the manufacturer in charge of the bicycle’s design and distribution will be held accountable for an accident caused by the faulty product.

The injured bicyclist will have to file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturing company for damages. However, the process of filing a product liability claim can be difficult as costly expert analysis and testimonies are often required in order to prove that the product was defective. The plaintiff is expected to show proof of the following:

• The product was used in a reasonable manner
• The bicycle manufacturer sold a defective product
• The product was already defective when it left the manufacturer
• The plaintiff suffered from an Injury as a result of the defective product

What Should I Do if I Was Hit by an Uninsured Driver?

In California, all drivers are required to have auto insurance. However, many drivers choose to drive without insurance as they believe that the costs of paying monthly for it are far too high. It can be a nightmare to deal with an uninsured driver, however, a California bicycle accident attorney can resort to different options, such as going after the uninsured driver’s personal assets, to ensure you are given a fair settlement offer.

Another option could be for you to acquire uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage from your own insurance provider. This coverage will help financially protect you from drivers who do not own auto insurance and are found liable for a bicycle accident.

Contact Us Today

If you have sustained injuries as a result of someone’s negligence or deliberate acts of malice, you have the right to hold the guilty party responsible for your losses. Our California bicycle accident attorneys at West Coast Trial Lawyers can recover compensation for the losses you have suffered.

Contact us today by calling 213-927-3700 or filling out our quick contact form to schedule a free consultation with our experienced, caring, and compassionate legal team.